http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science

PhD position : Lund, Sweden

A 4-year PhD position is available at the Translational Neurology Group, Department of Clinical Sciences, Wallenberg Neurocentrum, Lund University.

Topic: “Pericyte function and dysfunction in CNS disease”.

Regeneration in many organs is due to a self-renewing pool of adult stem cells. They usually reside in specialized niches close to the vasculature. We have discovered a previously unidentified adult stem cell in the human brain. These stem cells are located around the microvasculature and exhibit characteristics of pericytes and of mesenchymal stem cells (Paul et al, 2012). Our most recent data suggest that a subtype of pericytes aquires a microglial phenotype in stroke. The data suggests the vasculature is a novel, previously unknown source of inflammatory cells in stroke and implies pericytes as possible contributors to the pathology in the subacute, inflammatory phase of stroke (Özen et al, 2014).

The ultimate goal of PhD project is to further investigate the functional role of pericytes in vivo using loss of function models in vivo and examine the factors secreted by pericytes in response to different stimuli in vivo and in vitro.

The project involves techniques such as immunohistochemistry, fluorescence and confocal imaging, microsurgery, cell isolation techniques, flow cytometry, FACS, qPCR.

The group has a research focus on adult stem cells in neurodegenerative disorders with the focus on translational research. Translational Neurology and is a member of centres of excellence (www.med.lu.se/bagadilico and www.med.lu.se/multipark). The environment at Lund University provides excellent doctoral training with state-of –the art equipment, numerous guest lectures and workshops.

Candidates are eligible to apply if the have 240 high school points, a Master degree and preferably a strong background in neurobiology or vascular biology. We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, hard-working candidate preferably with laboratory experience, knowledge in immunohistochemistry, preferably confocal microscopy, and experience in animal handling and/or cell culture.

Intended start: 1 October 2015. The PhD period may be preceded by a 6 month pre-doctoral training period.
Please send you CV, contact details of 3 referees and a letter of motivation to
Associate Professor Gesine Paul-Visse
Gesine.paul@med.lu.se
The application closes 31 august 2014…

Job details

Employer:Lund University

Location:BMC A10, Lund, Sweden

Expires:August 24, 2014

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Temporary

Job hours:Full-time